Restaurant News – January 2020

Fresh Food + Awards + Now Open

Eat more local oysters

The Black Marlin is donating $1 of each dozen of local oysters sold to the South Carolina Shellfish Growers Association, a member-driven organization of clam and oyster growers and harvesters. As the market demands more and more local oysters, wild oyster populations have a hard time meeting demand. By farming local shellfish, the association hopes to decrease stress on the environment and encourage mariculture operations throughout the Lowcountry. scshellfishgrowers.org.

Buffalo Trace Distillery recently filled 400 bottles from its 6 millionth barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for nonprofit organizations to raffle and raise money for their causes. The Literacy Center was one of the charities selected. What initially was anticipated as an online raffle to raise money for The Literacy Center has evolved into a special fundraising event for the Bluffton nonprofit. In addition to raffling this rare bottle, the Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar on Hilton Head Island will host a special pop-up dinner and bourbon tasting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Literacy Center. On hand will be Robert Simonson, the “spirits” writer for the New York Times, who will draw the winning raffle ticket that evening. Other VIP guests will be announced soon.

New Orleans-style Jazz Brunch benefits Backpack Buddies

Treat yourself and yours to brunch and live jazz performed by Dave Masteller and the Jazz Corner Ensemble from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Jazz Corner. Brunch includes sticky buns, choice of quiche and bottomless mimosas. All proceeds go directly to feeding hungry children. Hosted by The Jazz Corner. $60. backpackbuddieshh.org.

Trendy cooking class at Charlie’s

The team at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte is hosting a cooking class based on clean and responsible eating from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25. The class is $100 per person. The event will show you how to break down a fish, make fish en papillote and golden milk. Let Chef Josh Castillo be your guide in this clean and trendy cooking experience. charliesgreenstar.com. (Photo: A papillote with grouper, shrimp with olives, artichoke, red pepper and grape tomatoes).

lot 9 brewing co. opening soon

Lowcountry beer lovers can look forward to another craft brewery opening in Bluffton. lot 9 brewing co. is co-founded by Dana Briggs and Walter Trifari. Briggs is the owner of Armor Building Solutions, a local storm protection company, and Trifari is an award-winning brewer with over 20 years of experience. They will be brewing a variety of traditional beers as well as a number of newer styles. The brewery will be conveniently located in the Red Cedar area close to Old Town Bluffton. You can keep track of their progress by following them on social media @lot9brew or by visiting their website at lot9brew.com.

Windows on the World chefs coming to Chamber Ball

Manhattan’s famed Windows on the World chefs will partner with local culinary artists at this year’s Chamber Ball. The annual black tie event, set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa, brings together local businesses and honors those in our community who go above and beyond to make a difference in our region. Chefs scheduled to serve tapas-style haute cuisine include Marc Murphy (left), Landmarc, “Chopped” judge, and former Windows on the World chef Florian Bellanger (right), former pastry chef at Le Bernardin and “Cupcake Wars” judge Philippe Feret, owner of Hilton Head Social Bakery and former Windows on the World executive chef Frederic Kieffer, l’escale and former Windows on the World chef Kevin Zraly. Details: hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org.

Hot product: Amarena Fabbri Strawberries Syrup

Fans of the incredible Fabbri Amarena Cherries in Syrup sold at The Market at Michael Anthony’s should consider trying Amarena Fabbri Strawberries Syrup. It comes in a beautiful opaline glass jar, and is fabulous with ice cream, cakes, fruit salads, granite, yogurts, milk shakes and semifreddo desserts. Use it for toppings, recipes or indulge right from the jar. Pick up a jar at The Market at Michael Anthony’s.

New grab-and-go items available at Sprout Momma

Fans of Sprout Momma Breads will be happy to learn new grab-and-go items have been added to the popular bakery at 21 Cardinal Road. Pick-up pizza dough, chicken salad, egg salad, pre-made sandwiches and more. Fresh baked bread comes out each day at noon if you want to time it right. Call ahead (843-715-2649) for bread flavors of the day.

Save the Date: An Evening of Love wine pairings dinner

Show your love and celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Evening of Love wine pairings dinner Feb. 14 at Venue 1223 in Bluffton. This elegant wine pairings dinner will benefit the Children’s Relief Fund, Area 8 Special Olympics, Heroes on Horseback, SOAR, Fishing with Friends, Pockets Full of Sunshine and the Island Rec Center. Chef Ryan McCarthy will create a multi-course dinner paired with fine wines in an exciting and glamorous venue, and a limited live auction is included. Limited tickets are available; friends and supporters are urged to reserve their spots now. thechildrensrelieffund.org